Glacier Snow Guard Frequently Asked Questions
- How strong can the Glacier Snow Guards be if they are only made out of plastic?
- How strong is the adhesive?
- What is the recommended temperature to be considered when applying Surebond SB-190 adhesive?
- What is SB-190?
- How many Glacier Snow Guards do I need?
- Will you match the price of other snow guards?
- What is your color matching policy?
- Is there any price increase for color-matched Glacier Snow Guards?
- Which Glacier Snow Guard should I use?
- Do you recommend using screws or adhesive?
- How many Glacier Snow Guards are recommended for each tube of adhesive?
- How many screws do I use for each Glacier Snow Guard?
- How long should the screws be to fasten the Glacier Snow Guard down?
- Why plastic instead of metal?
1. How strong can the Glacier Snow Guards be if they are only made out of plastic? 
Answer: Glacier brand Snow Guards are made out of a Polycarbonate resin. Polycarbonate is a tough, dimensionally stable, transparent thermoplastic that has many applications that demand high performance properties. This versatile thermoplastic maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures, from -40"F to 280"F. It is the highest impact of any thermoplastic, transparent up to 2" in special grades, outstanding dimensional and thermal stability, exceptional machinability, stain resistant and non-toxic. Click for a complete MSDS report. [PDF]
Impact strength
Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, making it extremely safe in areas where parts may be exposed to impact. When exposed to repeated heavy blows, the material tends to cold form rather than shatter.
Applications
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2. How strong is the adhesive?
Answer: SB-190 is a very strong adhesive with a tensile strength of 2000 pounds per square inch. It has been used in the roofing industry for many years for bonding polycarbonate snow guards to many different materials. SureBond SB-190 bonds with concrete, finished metals, painted metals, plastics, fiberglass and EPDM rubber membrane.
3. What is the recommended temperature to be considered when applying Surebond SB-190 adhesive?
Answer: To use the SB-190, the manufacturer recommends 28 days of 50 degree temperatures. If the temperature does get below the 50 degree temperature it will just take a little more time to fully cure.
If the temperature is not going to be up to 50 degrees, we recommend the use of SB-190 with mechanical fasteners.
4. What is SB-190?
Answer: SB-190 is a great all-weather adhesive. This adhesive works in a temperature range of between -20 degrees to +140 degrees. It fully cures in 24 hours. It has a tensile strength of 360 pounds per square inch. SB-190 allows you to install snow guards year round with the use of mechanical fasteners.
5. How many Glacier Snow Guards do I need?
Answer: Please fill out the quote form to receive a quantity quote.
6. Will you match the price of other snow guards?
Answer: Absolutely! We know we have the best snow guard on the market and we will stand behind it. If you find another snow guard with a better price we will match or beat the price with the snow guard that compares to it the best, whether it be the Original Glacier Snow Guard or the Mini Glacier Snow Guard.
7. What is your color matching policy?
Answer: We will color match to any metal panel color. We require a sample piece of the metal panel from you that we will be matching to. We then send it out to a color- matching laboratory for a perfect match. We will send the plastic color sample chip to you to verify and approve. After that, it is just a matter of a week or so to get your perfectly matched snow guards molded and shipped to you. Read below for price increase questions.
8. Is there any price increase for color-matched Glacier Snow Guards?
Answer: Yes, there is an additional cost that must be passed on for color-matched snow guards. However, the larger the quantity ordered, the lower the price will be. Because of the many colors of metal roofing available, it is not economical to carry all the different colors in stock. That is why we prefer to match each order to assure that your snow guards will be the correct color. Minimum order for color-matched snow guards is 200.
9. Which Glacier Snow Guard should I use?
Answer: The Mini Glacier snow guard is used for smaller roof applications. If you are trying to restrain an entire roof with a panel width larger than 9”, you need to use the Original Glacier Snow Guard. If the panel is less than 9”, you can use the Mini Glacier Snow Guard, but you will need more snow guards to restrain the same amount of snow as the Original Glacier Snow guard.
10. Do you recommend using screws or adhesive?
Answer: It is a personal preference. Most people want to use the SB-190 because they don’t want any additional holes in their roof. If you choose this method be aware of the application temperature of the adhesive (see question # 3). The mechanical fastening technique is the most popular because it the most economical way of securing the snow guards to the roof. If you mechanically fasten the snow guards down however, you will need to make sure that you apply an adequate amount of sealant on the bottom of the snow guard, around the exterior of the snow guard and around the screws on the top of the snow guard to prevent moisture penetration.
11. How many Glacier Snow Guards are recommended for each tube of adhesive?
Answer: One tube of adhesive will fasten approximately 17 Mini Glacier snow guards or 7 Original Glacier snow guards.
12. How many screws do I use for each Glacier Snow Guard?
Answer: The Mini Glacier snow guard needs 2 screws per snow guard. The Original Glacier Snow guard needs 4 screws per snow guard.
13. How long should the screws be to fasten the Glacier Snow Guard down?
Answer: This depends on what you are screwing into. If you have insulation under your metal panel you need to add this measurement to the screw length. Obviously the more screw penetration in to the substructure makes the installation stronger. The installer needs to determine the proper screw length.
14. Why plastic instead of metal?
Answer: It comes down to durability. Metal has a tendency to corrode over time and become brittle in the below zero temperatures where snow guards are needed. Plastic has proved to be more durable in both high UV conditions, extreme hot and cold climate, and in areas where high levels of salt and humidity in the air are common. To see specifications for plastic and more info on Glacier Snow Guard, visit our specs page.
